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Chiefs Pulse
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Chiefs Midseason Report |
It's eight games into the season, and the Chiefs are sitting at 3-5 with an outside chance of matching last season's 8-8 mark, despite having what is universally agreed as an upgraded roster. Two wins in a row have shown signs of life, but none where the passing game is involved, which remains a concern.
Donovan McNabb was thought to be the savior of the offense, but has been anemic so far as the starting quarterback. He's completed just over 42% of his passes for 1525 yards, and has 11 touchdowns and 11 interceptions as well. McNabb has a more talented cast of receivers around him than Cassel did last season, and the offensive line has managed to keep him upright, allowing just fifteen sacks so far this season, making McNabb only the 24th most sacked QB so far this season (tied with Troy Smith, and only one more sack than Bears QB Kyle Boller, who's played very few games this season). There is no excuse for the lack of execution. McNabb has to step up... or step out.
The running game has seen a rotation of Jamaal Charles and Peter Hudson, combining for 848 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground, with another 148 yards and a score through the air. Hudson has added some dynamic playmaking ability to the offense, but unfortunately was injured during his first start. Charles will be getting the carries for the next three weeks at least.
Likely because of the offensive woes, the defense has also had some issues. A lack of turnovers and sacks hasn't helped their rankings, but the defense has begun to regain its stout form against the pass in recent weeks. An injury to cornerback Donald Washington early in the season hasn't helped, leaving the team without their top pass defender.
There's still time for the Chiefs to turn it around, and some changes are likely to be made to the lineup and the game plan going into the next few games.
Rookie Report
There's been signs of new life among the rookies on the roster... when they've been healthy. So far this season, both Jermaine Garrett and Peter Hudson have spent time on the sidelines with an injury.
1.17 HB Peter Hudson
Peter Hudson has been mostly playing backup to Jamaal Charles and another deep-threat receiver, as well as primary return man, but got his first start in Week 9... where he was promptly injured. Hudson's been effective in each of these roles, with a 4.3 ypc average, nine receptions, three total offensive touchdowns, and a solid 27.9 yard average on kickoff returns, including a 96-yard return for a score. Hudson has added a lot to the team on offense and special teams, and should continue to open opportunities for them.
2.17 CB Horace Barrie
Horace Barrie was meant to just be the nickel back, but was forced to start with Washington's injury. He's done well so far, preventing too many big plays and not allowing many catches. In the five games he's started, Barrie has 10 deflections and nine catches allowed, fewer than two receptions per game. He has been a big part of the defense's resurgence against the pass.
2.21 WR Jermaine Garrett
With McNabb struggling, Garrett hasn't had the opportunities the coaching staff would prefer, but he still has had twenty receptions for 283 yards and a pair of touchdowns. With more tweaking to the gameplan, Garrett's role should grow.
3.17 LT Travis Coen
Travis Coen was pressed into service on the offensive line from day one, despite some concerns about his pass blocking skills. He has answered the critics by only allowing one sack at the midpoint of the season, while piling up 28 pancakes. Coen is a solid blocker in both protecting the pocket and opening lanes for the rusher. He's been a solid pickup in the third round.
4.17 RT Ed Carter
Most of Ed Carter's playing time has come as the #3 tight end, and he's had some good play there. In very limited play, he's gotten three pancakes and a reception for 13 yards. Carter is pushing for more playing time, and is versatile both as a backup lineman and tight end.
5.17 FS Bryan Harry
Many in the team consider Bryan Harry a steal in the fifth round. He came in and immediately started at free safety. Harry has 38 tackles, an interception, eight deflections, and has only two catches allowed. He's been solid at stopping the pass or cleaning up the run.
6.17 CB Jermaine Evans
As the fifth cornerback on the depth chart, Jermaine Evans doesn't see the field much. So far, he's accumulated five tackles and a pass defensed. He's been okay but certainly not impressive.
7.17 LT Earl Cote
Earl Cote is buried on a talented young offensive line, and has yet to see the field this season. |
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Forum Discussion
(by E_Setzer on 08/30/2010)
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Replies - 3 :: Views - 38 |
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Chiefs 2011 Offseason Report |
Chiefs 2011 Offseason Report
Draft Report:
1.17 HB Peter Hudson
5'9, 214 lbs, Auburn
With their first selection in the 2011 draft, the Chiefs selected running back Peter Hudson out of Auburn. Hudson's taken some knocks for his height and lack of power rushing, but he runs with speed and purpose, and displays good ball control. Hudson is great at catching the ball coming out of the backfield, and also a remarkable kick returner. He is expected to play a number of roles on the field for the Chiefs, both on offense and special teams.
2.17 CB Horace Barrie
5'11, 204 lbs, Indiana
With their second selection, the Chiefs went to the other side of the ball to get cornerback Horace Barrie out of Indiana. Barrie is just an inch shy of the magic 6' mark but makes up for it with his tremendous vertical leap. Barrie has good speed and displays a solid awareness for the play, capable of getting the ball out of the air or taking down a receiver or running back. He is expected to come in and replace Brandon Flowers (not the lead singer of the Killers) at nickelback (not the band, either).
2.21 WR Jermaine Garrett
5'8, 170 lbs, Missouri
During the draft, the Green Bay Packers offered to trade a second round selection (2.21) in the 2011 draft for a 2nd round selection in the 2012 draft. The Chiefs saw an opportunity and leapt at it, setting up a deal to select receiver Jermaine Garrett of Missouri in the process. Garrett's only knock is his height, which caused many teams to shy away from him. However, with his amazing speed, solid hands, and good footwork, Garrett can be a threat all over the field. He may line up in the slot, or even line up across from fellow speedster Johnny Knox to give the Chiefs a double deep threat on the outside.
3.17 OT Travis Coen
6'3, 308 lbs, UCF
The Chiefs turned to shoring up their offensive line in the third round, grabbing tackle Travis Coen out of Central Florida. Coen has good athleticism and is a powerful run blocker, though he lacks some skill in stopping pass-rushers. Still, Coen has a good shot at moving ahead of Brandon Albert to take the starting job at the left tackle position.
4.17 OT Ed Carter
6'7, 317 lbs, Miss. State
The Chiefs went for another lineman in the fourth round, selection Ed Carter from Mississippie State. Carter's motor is a little slow to get going, but he has some good power in it when it does get going. His blocking skills are average at best. Carter is expected to be a backup across the line.
5.17 FS Bryan Harry
5'11, 184 lbs, Colorado
Bryan Harry was still waiting in the fifth round when the Chiefs' defensive coordinators shoved their man toward the stairs with the card to call his name. Harry's 5'11 stature won't hurt him much at safety, and he makes up for it in athleticism. Harry has good speed and strength, good vertical leap, a solid tackling style, and an affinity for pass defense. His arrival puts fan favorite Bret Lockett, a sleeper in 2010 who came alive on the field to help lead the Chiefs to be the top-ranked pass defense, on the watch list for losing his starting position.
6.17 CB Jermaine Evans
5'11, 188 lbs, Virginia Tech
In the sixth round, the Chiefs drafted another defensive back, Jermaine Evans of Virginia Tech. Evans is a reasonably average corner with astounding leaping skills and solid tackling (for the position). He will be buried on the cornerback depth chart, but at least provides reasonable depth to the position.
7.17 OT Earl Cote
6'3, 315 lbs, Kansas State
The Chiefs' final selection was tackle Earl Cote, a (sort of) home-state player from Kansas State. Cote is a dependable, if unexceptional, blocker who specializes in run blocking. He'll provide a fresh body to keep the offensive line going.
Key Moves:
Key Losses:
HB Thomas Jones
RT Brian Waters
Key Additions:
QB Donovan McNabb
HB Peter Hudson (R)
WR Jermaine Garrett (R)
LT Travis Coen (R)
FS Bryan Harry (R)
CB Horace Barrie (R)
During the offseason the Chiefs unloaded a handful of players, mostly backups. The only big names to leave were veterans Thomas Jones and Brian Waters. Jones had lost a step and wasn't able to keep up the pace. Waters had already lost his starting job to last year's first round pick Trent Williams.
The biggest pickup in the offseason was quarterback Donovan McNabb, who brings some solid veteran leadership to the team and improves a position that had become a major concern for the Chiefs last season. The rookie class also added a bevy of new players, including jack-of-all-trades Peter Hudson, deep threat Jermaine Garrett, athletic left tackle Travis Coen, safety Bryan Harry, and solid nickel back Horace Barrie.
Offense:
Last season's offense saw a lot of Jamaal Charles running the ball, and some unspectacular passing. This season looks to be blowing the playbook wide open on offense. Donovan McNabb gives the team a very capable passer, which is good as the team now has a number of receiving threats. Johnny Knox and Jermaine Garrett are able to race down the field and outrun most cornerbacks, while Dwayne Bowe's size will allow him to make some excellent catches coming over the middle. Dorin Dickerson proves a solid and speedy target at tight end. Both Jamaal Charles and Peter Hudson are threats to take the ball the distance if they break through the line, and are also solid receiving threats, especially Hudson. Quinton Ganther is a relatively speedy fullback and has reseasonable hands for catching the ball as well. The trick will be for the offensive line to hold back opposing defenses long enough for the receivers to get seperation. The line is young and very athletic, but specializes in run blocking mostly. It's hoped that McNabb will use his awareness to buy time, and the line will be able to use that athleticism and run blocking skills to open holes for Charles and Hudson to blast through.
Defense:
The defense was a high point last season. They had the top defense for yards-per game (less than 300), the top defense for passing yards (less than 180), 2nd ranked defense for opponent passer rating (63.5), 5th in sacks and 9th in red zone scoring. With four rookies and a free agent "scrub" starting, that's a major accomplishment. With a year under their belts, the defense has become a lot better as a unit. Last year's starting corners Donald Washington and Brandon Carr return, joined this year by Horace Barrie in the nickle position, a solid improvement in speed and size over Brandon Flowers. Rashad Jones returns to start at strong safety after an impressive rookie season, and will be joined by rookie free safety Bryan Harry, whose speed and skill will likely give him an edge over last season's surprise player Bret Lockett (who was award the Tarik Parker Award over the offseason). At linebacker the same corps returns with Keenan Clayton and A.J. Edds still manning the outside with even more speed and skill than last season, and Derrick Johnson and Jovan Belcher return to stuff the middle. On the line the talented trio of Glenn Dorsey, Mike Neal and Tyson Jackson return. It's expected that the defense will play a bit more aggressively this season with experience under their belts and an offseason of picking up two new speedy additions and training up the speed on the outside.
Special Teams:
The kickers are the same, with Ryan Succop and Dustin Colquitt returning to their respective roles as placekicker and punter. The old adage of "don't fix what isn't broken" applies. While Deji Karim did a solid job returning kicks last season, the team is going to have Peter Hudson performing those duties this season. Hudson's remarkable speed and return abilities are likely to see some kicks returned the distance and help the Chiefs win the battle of field position.
Overview:
The Chiefs surprised a lot of critics with their 8-8 showing and tremendous defensive play last year, as well as Jamaal Charles' impressive rushing numbers while opposing defenses keyed on the run. The 2011 Chiefs have a vastly improved and expanded offense to allow them to put more points on the board, and retain the same core of defensive players that stifled teams last season. With all signs pointing up, the team looks to come out of 2011 with a winning season and an ever-improving young roster. |
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Forum Discussion
(by E_Setzer on 07/24/2010)
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Replies - 11 :: Views - 112 |
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Quiet Offseason for Chiefs |
The Chiefs have had a productive offseason, despite being one of the quietest teams so far.
Coming off of an abysmal 4-12 season that saw the Chiefs last in their division, the Chiefs had very little to look forward to. Scott Pioli had just one season to leave his mark. That was enough, as the team parted ways with him and signed Erik Setzer on to manage the franchise.
The team's first moves were to resign a number of players to bring back for the upcoming season. Many players were either released or simply not resigned, allowing eighteen players to depart from the roster, a significant number. The message was clear: The 2010 Kansas City Chiefs will not be the same roster that failed last season.
The Chiefs were quiet in free agency leading up to the draft, making no moves to sign any veterans to beef up their roster. Instead, they made a pair of trades that would impact their draft stock. The fifth overall pick was sent to Chicago for the 26th and 30th overall picks, as well as receiver Johnny Knox. The team then traded the 30th overall pick to the Seahawks for an additional pair of second round picks and a fourth round selection. In total, the team had a full stock of ten draft picks, of which seven were within the first 100 selections of the draft, and none pass the middle of the fifth round.
Johnny Knox was the only player brought in prior to the draft. He has good height, but his main feature is his incredible speed. Knox presents a deep threat that will work well as a complement to Dwayne Bowe, and he will immediately line up as a starter.
With the draft coming up, the Chiefs' fans are anxious to see what players the team might select. |
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Forum Discussion
(by E_Setzer on 05/03/2010)
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Replies - 3 :: Views - 42 |
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At A Glance
| AFC West |
| RNK |
TEAM |
W-L-T |
PCT |
DIV |
| #5 |
 Chargers |
8-3-0 |
0.727 |
4-1 |
| #8 |
 Broncos |
7-4-0 |
0.636 |
1-2 |
| #10 |
 Chiefs |
7-5-0 |
0.583 |
1-3 |
| #19 |
 Raiders |
5-6-0 |
0.455 |
2-2 |
| CHIEFS SCHEDULE |
| WK |
DATE |
OPPONENT |
TIME/RESULT |
| 1 |
Sun |
at Chargers #5 |
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| 2 |
Sun |
at Raiders #19 |
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| 4 |
Sun |
vs Broncos #8 |
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| 5 |
Sun |
vs Chargers #5 |
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| 6 |
Sun |
at  Jets #24 |
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| 7 |
Sun |
at  Colts #11 |
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| 8 |
Sun |
vs  Dolphins #12 |
|
| 9 |
Sun |
vs  Bears #23 |
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| 10 |
Sun |
vs  Bills #15 |
|
| 11 |
Sun |
vs  Ravens #17 |
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| 12 |
Thu |
at  Lions #31 |
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| 13 |
Sun |
at  Vikings #28 |
|
| 14 |
Sun |
vs Raiders #19 |
4:00pm |
| 15 |
Sun |
vs  Packers #4 |
1:00pm |
| 16 |
Sun |
at  Patriots #6 |
8:30pm |
| 17 |
Sun |
at Broncos #8 |
4:15pm |
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#10 Kansas City Chiefs
